§ Mr. Peter AinsworthTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she proposes to implement the increased sheep premium payments to the herds recommended by the European Parliament. [8295]
§ Margaret Beckett[holding answer 18 October 2001]: The Opinion of the European Parliament on the European Commission's proposal for reform of the sheepmeat regime, under which sheep annual premium payments are made, has not yet been delivered. We expect that the European Parliament will vote on the Opinion later this month. We further expect that the Commission's proposals will be considered by the Council of Ministers in November. Amounts of premium to be paid will be decided by Council taking into account the Opinion of the European Parliament.